5 Major Red Flags to Watch for When You’re Touring an Open House

An open house is one of the best opportunities a potential homeowner will have to take stock of a home and determine if it will work for them. However, it can also be a good opportunity to discover some glaring red flags that might make it a less worthwhile investment. If you’re currently perusing the open houses in your neighborhood, here’s some things you should make sure to watch out for.

A Selling Hot-Spot

It’s well and good if you love the home you visit, but ‘location, location, location’ is a popular phrase for a reason. If you’ve noticed a lot of homes for sale in the area, this could be a sign of neighborhood issues that are less than pleasing.

An Odd Smell

Baked goods or room spray are quite common when it comes to an open house, but it’s possible that they’re masking a less-than pleasant odor. Since this can point to a hard home fix-up, it’s worth checking out the closets or the basement where a strange smell can indicate mildew or mold.

A Bad Paint Job

Paint that’s peeling may mean that a few fresh coats are long overdue, but it can also indicate moisture issues in the home that have gone untreated. As this kind of repair can cost a pretty penny, it’s worth determining if there are sealing issues with windows or doors.

A Few Obvious Fix-Ups

A sticky door or a damaged wall may not seem so bad on their own, but if you notice a few things that need to be fixed around the home, it can be a sign that there’s more afoot. If a homeowner has cared for the property during their ownership, it will likely show in small details like this.

Incomplete Construction

It may seem like a good sign to see a house that’s undergoing a renovation, but it can actually be a risk to invest in a home that’s not complete. Instead of leaving this to chance, you may want to check with the construction contractor to determine the scope of the work and when it will be finished.

An open house may be a good time to decide if you’re interested in a home, but it can also be the perfect opportunity to search for deficiencies that may end up costing you.

If you’re currently in the market for a new home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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9112 S 15th Way Phoenix, AZ 85042

$590,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,214 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780934

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a RARE find! Located in the gated Montana Vista Estates, this beautiful 3-bedroom home will leave you in awe. Its charm starts with a manicured landscape & a 3-car garage w/paver driveway. Fabulous interior features abundant natural light, archways, neutral paint, and stone tile flooring w/carpet in bedrooms. You'll LOVE the separate living room & a formal dining room w/wood-look floors! The gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, recessed lighting, a pantry, wood cabinetry, a large island, a breakfast bar, and SS appliances w/cooktop gas. Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. The spacious back & side yards offer a fireplace and two covered patios. This gem also sits on a corner lot by the Community gate, with mountain views! Just WOW!

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17899 W Mountain Sky Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$590,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786759

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 2023 NEW BUILD, Barely lived in 2,138 sqft, 3 Bed/2 Bath Maestro in the gated Cantamia community includes a spacious TRUE huge 3-car extended-epoxied garage, coveted North/South exposure, and a home office which crescendo into a stylish living space. Upgraded kitchen with quartz countertops, cabinetry, and top of the line GE Café appliances accent this stylish retreat. The luxurious primary ensuite includes dual vanities, ample sized walk in shower, and a custom walk-in closet. The orchestrated chicness continues as you step from your open-concept modern home through the 12' upgraded slider to a backyard professionally curated with artificial turf and paver patios to enjoy the outdoors. This barely lived in beauty is waiting for you .Come See it TODAY!

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7243 E Nopal Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$590,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775119

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New roof with a 20 yr warranty on this 4 bed / 3 bath with den spacious home. Vaulted ceilings in front room, new flooring in the den and all upstairs. The Kitchen has an eat-in area, a breakfast bar with a new kitchen sink, new faucet, new disposal, new plumbing, new appliances with a gas range, new ceiling LED kitchen lights and the cabinets have new sliders. Laundry room has new built-ins for extra storage. New windows with transferable warranty in the master suite & master bathroom. The other three spacious bedrooms have new closet built-ins. Fully remodeled bathrooms & new tile floors. The pool has been resurfaced, new pump filter, new back patio cover, and misters. New court yard & front landscape are completely remodeled with new turf, plants, pavers a new side gate and RV gate!

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35713 N 32nd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$590,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,061 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This Stunning Split Floor plan 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in the highly sought-after community of Tramonto and features an eat in kitchen with granite countertops, beautiful Maple cabinets with plenty of storage, wine rack built in, upgraded backsplash and Stainless appliances with New Dishwasher, fixtures and hardware throughout. Primary Suite has a large remodel spa like ensuite with new tile, new double sinks, free standing tub & walk-in shower and large walk-in closet. New interior and exterior paint. New luxury vinyl plank flooring, tall baseboards, new light fixtures, fans and LED recessed ceiling lights and new outlets/switches. Second bath is fully remodeled with a new tub, tile, vanity, mirror and much more. Park all your toys in the third garage or wander outside and discover new landscaping, pavers and a covered patio perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy the community's amenities including walking paths, a children's playground, and a sparkling pool and spa. With its superb location close to schools and every modern convenience, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience for your discerning lifestyle. Prime location near I-17 & Loop 303 freeways, making commuting a breeze. Ideal for those connected to the nearby TSMC plant or seeking proximity to Lake Pleasant. Corner lot with North/ South exposure. This is a must see!!! Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer stay.

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16048 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$590,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,451 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715329

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out the Great Curb Appeal at this Nice 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3451 sq. ft., 3 car garage home in Greer Ranch South, Surprise, AZ. New carpeting and interior paint. Low maintenance front yard leads you to the front door. Vaulted ceilings and large rooms greet your entry to this home along with a spacious open eat-in kitchen granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and ample cabinet space. Looking for a formal dining space? Found! Relax and hide in the Great Room downstairs or the spacious upstairs Media Room. Large Primary Suite with a large walk in closet, private bath with separate shower and tub. The backyard includes a covered patio and a pool to keep you cool. This could be your next ''New To You'' home.

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19233 W Coolidge Street Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$590,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,649 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715943

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Welcome to Your New Home!** This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of luxury and functionality, featuring a full apartment casita with its own private entrance, ideal for guests, extended family or rental income. Highlights include: - **Spacious Main House:** Open floor plan with a bright and airy living space, modern kitchen, and elegant finishes throughout. - **Private Apartment Casita:** Self-contained unit with a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, perfect for extended family or rental potential. - **3-Car Garage:** Ample space for vehicles, storage, and hobbies. - **Completed Backyard:** Beautifully landscaped for relaxation and entertainment. - **Installed Solar Panels:** Enjoy significant savings on your energy bills and contribute to a greener planet. Located close to top-rated schools, shopping, and recreational facilities, this home offers convenience and comfort in one package. Don't miss out on this rare find! Contact us today to schedule a viewing and make this exceptional property yours.

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9710 W Campana Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

$590,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717251

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Presenting a well maintained 3-bedroom residence complemented by an expansive Arizona Room, this property boasts refined additions and enhancements. Nestled in a Cul De Sac, The residence encompasses a total area of 1832 square feet plus An expansive addition completed in 2018 supplements the property with an additional 1169 square feet, offering versatile parking spaces. The property is thoughtfully outfitted with triple pane windows, ensuring superior insulation against both sound and heat. Noteworthy recent upgrades include a new AC unit installed in 2021, along with a water heater of the same year. The oven and stove top were replaced in 2019. Maintenance and improvements extend to the infrastructure, with sewer lines and clean outs updated during the 2017 addition. The exterior features a freshly painted back wall, benefiting from a five-year warranty, with two years remaining. . The roof was replaced in 2018, with insurance coverage through AAA. To accommodate discerning buyers, seller financing terms may be considered.

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706 E Washington Street Unit 128 Phoenix, AZ 85034

$590,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,880 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732346

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to urban living at its finest in this modern and stylish loft in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Within walking distance of event centers, fine dining, the lightrail, and so much more, this industrial-chic loft features an open floor plan with soaring ceilings, large luxury tile floors, and big windows that flood the space with natural light. The sleek kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space for all your culinary needs. The spacious bedrooms offer a private retreat with 2 bathrooms. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit laundry and a designated parking space as well as a secure 1 car garage. Outside, this corner unit has its own private side yard perfect for pets. The third story patio offers views of Chase Field, Phoenix skyscrapers, and perfect for enjoying our spectacular Arizona sunsets.

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6703 N 12th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$590,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,673 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729358

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this unique single-level home within the Madison Simis boundaries! Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this spacious residence features a remodeled master bedroom and bathroom, along with a beautifully renovated kitchen equipped with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Recent upgrades include exterior paint and a heat pump (2017). New exterior paint! The property offers two RV gates and sits on a generous corner lot, providing ample space for parking your toys. Conveniently located in Mid-Town, you'll have easy access to shopping, restaurants, and public transit. This versatile home is perfect for a potential assisted living facility, group home, or extended family living.

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20630 W Grandview Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$590,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741192

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***$10,000.00 seller concessions for upgrades, carpet, etc***This stunning corner lot home is located directly across the street from a beautiful children's park and features a spacious open concept living area with a sizeable kitchen-perfect for entertaining. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and separate shower. The backyard is an empty slate that can be customized to your liking and the large front porch is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the neighborhood, complete with a porch swing for added charm. The two car garage offers plenty of storage space for all of your toys. Enjoy the small town feel of Verrado with its tree-lined streets, community events and friendly neighbors.

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504 N 297th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$590,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,850 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746288

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Build Dream Home! Completion date early December 2024. Large 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car garage on a 1-acre corner lot. Open Floor plan with large great room and eat in kitchen. Custom shaker cabinets with soft close drawer and doors. Spacious master suite with double sinks, quartz counter tops, walk in closet, private entrance to the covered patio.

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2640 S Southwind Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$590,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,260 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747537

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***MOTIVATED SELLER!!!*** A beautifully maintained gem in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, nestled in a serene and family-friendly neighborhood. Freshly painted inside and out, the home is just waiting for you to move in! Check out the HUGE master bathroom with an oversized shower boasting 2 showerheads. Multiple living spaces and 4 bedrooms will give your family plenty of space to spread out! And don't forget the pool! With a fountain to keep it cool on these hot summer days! Added bonus... No neighbors behind you and only one directly next to you. Additional highlights of this home include a convenient 2-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and easy access to nearby parks, shopping, and top-rated schools.

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